Grody stem

[VeLoRoK]

So as some of you know I scored a few of my pop's old briars. A couple of these have what I believe after googling to be oxidized stems, where the vulcanite or ebonite or whatever had started to turn a flat, almost sticky kind of dull amber/drab color. I want to turn them black and shiny again. I saw a couple things about olive oil, Chapstick, obsidian oil, and a few other kits. But I'd like to know what your first-hand experience is, and what you'd recommend for me. Thanks.

 

[Xavier Dredo]

There are a few threads about pipe restoration. Here's what I do, I've restored a couple dozen like this
My attempt at Pipe Restoration

https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink?ur...&share_tid=83846&share_fid=74175&share_type=t

 

[MeerschaumMarauder]

Ovee used light wet sanding plus mineral oil with some success. You could also get a replacement if they're that bad

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G891A using Tapatalk

 

[8ball]

I generally only buy new pipes (don't need a big rotation), but when I first started, I restored a bunch of cheap briars that I bought on Craig's list to get a rotation going. If memory serves correct, I think I did an oxy clean bath for like 24 hours, then went to town with a magic eraser, and followed by using shoe polish. The stems went from brown to black. However, again, that was years ago, so it's hard to remember.

I think I also used olive oil as well. One other thing I should mention, depending on your area, you may have a local pipe shop that can refurbish your pipes separately. I probably would have done this if my dad had any decent pipes. Sadly, he threw his all his out years ago, but they were only cheapies.

 

[VeLoRoK]

There are a few threads about pipe restoration. Here's what I do, I've restored a couple dozen like this
My attempt at Pipe Restoration

https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink?ur...&share_tid=83846&share_fid=74175&share_type=t

Xavier, your link is not working for me. Sad.

 

[Jravenwood42]

If the pipes are dear to you and you don't mind spending a little cash - Carole at Pipeworks and Wilke does a restoration service which I've read people rave about . It used to be $20 a pipe , not sure if prices have increased .

 

[Xavier Dredo]

Xavier, your link is not working for me. Sad.

Yeah, Tapatalk make that difficult I guess. Just scroll through the pipe thread, there are a few threads about pipe restoration. Grrrrr has a good one.

 

[jsnake]

I just did 57 estate pipes and it kicked my butt. Fingers hurt for two weeks. Here is what I do.

Two spoonfuls of Oxyclean in a Tupperware bowl of water. Cover any stamps or metal or decor not made of stem material in petroleum jelly. Soak stems for 1 hour. If they turn white or green or brown don't freak out!

I rinse them and them I take bristled pipe cleaners and soak them in Everclear and run them down the air hole until they come out clean. Then I follow up with Briar Fresh.

Next I take a magic eraser and scrub the stem. The important thing here is to scrub and scrub and scrub until no more yellow comes off onto the eraser. I learned the hard way. In certain light the stem may look black but in bright light you may see the discoloration of you don't get that oxidation off. I use my iPhone light to check it over. Once that is done I use wet automotive sandpaper in various steps (finer as you go). It helps remove oxidation and chatter. Micromesh is a great option too.

Final step is I use Decatur Haze Away and microfiber clothes to start hand buffing. It removes any leftover oxidation. Then I take a low speed buffer and hit it with Decatur Shine Bright followed by carnuba wax. Final step
Is a light coat of Decatur Stem Oil. Here is a finished example.

 

[VeLoRoK]

I just did 57 estate pipes and it kicked my butt. Fingers hurt for two weeks. Here is what I do.

Two spoonfuls of Oxyclean in a Tupperware bowl of water. Cover any stamps or metal or decor not made of stem material in petroleum jelly. Soak stems for 1 hour. If they turn white or green or brown don't freak out!

I rinse them and them I take bristled pipe cleaners and soak them in Everclear and run them down the air hole until they come out clean. Then I follow up with Briar Fresh.

Next I take a magic eraser and scrub the stem. The important thing here is to scrub and scrub and scrub until no more yellow comes off onto the eraser. I learned the hard way. In certain light the stem may look black but in bright light you may see the discoloration of you don't get that oxidation off. I use my iPhone light to check it over. Once that is done I use wet automotive sandpaper in various steps (finer as you go). It helps remove oxidation and chatter. Micromesh is a great option too.

Final step is I use Decatur Haze Away and microfiber clothes to start hand buffing. It removes any leftover oxidation. Then I take a low speed buffer and hit it with Decatur Shine Bright followed by carnuba wax. Final step
Is a light coat of Decatur Stem Oil. Here is a finished example.

View attachment 92571 View attachment 92572 View attachment 92573

Looks great, but I think for one pipe it's going to be easier fire me to find someone to pay to do it than buy all that stuff.


Hopduro LIKES IT

 

[jsnake]

Looks great, but I think for one pipe it's going to be easier fire me to find someone to pay to do it than buy all that stuff.


Hopduro LIKES IT

Well that is very true. I charge $25 a pipe but hopefully you can find someone close by. Pop into your local if you have one close and ask if they know who does pipe work. I found several near me from asking and then after more research I decided I wanted to do it myself. Wouldn't make sense to buy all the supplies for a pipe or two.

If you do get them cleaned up putting stem oil or something similar will protect them from oxididation just as a preventative measure.

 

[VeLoRoK]

Well that is very true. I charge $25 a pipe but hopefully you can find someone close by. Pop into your local if you have one close and ask if they know who does pipe work. I found several near me from asking and then after more research I decided I wanted to do it myself. Wouldn't make sense to buy all the supplies for a pipe or two.

If you do get them cleaned up putting stem oil or something similar will protect them from oxididation just as a preventative measure.

Totally going to get some obsidian oil.


Hopduro LIKES IT